Lost a job
What to do first
- Apply for unemployment benefits with your state right away.
- Check your health coverage. You may be able to keep your job's plan, or you can pick a new one.
- If money for food or rent is short, apply for food benefits and ask about rent help.
- Get free help looking for work at an American Job Center.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
Health coverage
Losing your job's health plan lets you sign up for a Marketplace plan. You have 60 days after the plan ends.
Source: HealthCare.govAt least 60 days
Keeping your job's health plan (COBRA)
If your old job's plan offers COBRA, you have at least 60 days to choose it. The time starts when you get the notice or when your coverage ends, whichever is later. COBRA covers most employers with 20 or more workers.
Source: DOL.gov
Help from Tennessee
Tennessee programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment benefits may be available to workers who lost a job through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Tennessee Division of TennCare
TennCare
In Tennessee, Medicaid is called TennCare.
TennCare provides health coverage to eligible Tennesseans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Tennessee Division of TennCare
CoverKids
In Tennessee, CHIP is called CoverKids.
CoverKids provides health coverage for eligible children and pregnant women.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps eligible households pay rent in privately owned housing.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households with home energy costs through local agencies.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Families First
In Tennessee, TANF is called Families First.
Families First provides temporary cash assistance and work supports to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
CareerOneStop.org
Help finding work
American Job Centers help with job search, resumes and training, for free. Find the one near you on CareerOneStop, from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
Federal Communications Commission
Lifeline phone and internet discount
A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Tennessee 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988